Stay in God's Grip!
  • Home
  • Todd's Blog
  • Remember Me When
  • Contact

 While in God's Grip!

Discovering joy...

1/30/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!  Amen."  ~ Ephesians 3:20-21

Choice is something that makes us human.

We can't escape this fact.  While we hope that we are making choices that will not only benefit our lives, but the lives of others, each day we must look to find what truly is important.

Years ago I struggled through a period of depression.  It became almost paralyzing when it came to daily decisions, and physically restrained me as I struggled to even get out of bed.  


A dear friend and therapist asked me to take a photo of something that brought me "joy."

"Joy?" I asked.

He went on to say that each of us encounter many things in our lives, but ultimately if we are seeking joy, then we have to be able to identify what brings us joy.

With camera in hand, and the dog leash in the other, my aging Schnauzer, Sully, and I headed out to walk the block around the complex I was living in. 

The first thing I saw was a bumper sticker, "Save the Ta-tas" (for those persons effected by breast cancer).  It made me snicker, and I thought, "I'll just take a picture of this, and see how Tony will react."  

I have to admit, the very first picture was filled with a joy of knowing I might shock my friend.  

My next photo was of a lizard hiding among the leaves in a shrub next to the condo.

Suddenly I realized I was discovering things that brought me joy all around! 

I became excited, looking at the world through a lens, then coming back to my computer, uploading the picture, and then reflecting on what it was that brought me joy.

Joy is really what makes life worth living.  Strange as it may sound, we can choose joy.

What's also interesting is that two people can experience the same event, or look at the same photo, and feel completely different.  What might bring joy to one, may produce despair to another.

Our ability to identify joy, and share in the experience can be life-changing, and hopefully, encouragement to others.


Since that September day six years ago, I continue the practice each day of seeking out something that brings me joy.  It is actually something I look forward to each day, and I can't wait to write and share with others.

Psalm 28:7 shares, "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him."

I pray that we all may find joy this day that provides encouragement.

Stay in God's grip!

​G. Todd Williams (c) 2017




0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Rev. G. Todd Williams lives in the Houston metro area and is a Hospice Chaplain at Essential Hospice, Webster, Texas, and is an ordained Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) pastor.

    He serves as the Stated Supply to Westminster Presbyterian Church, Galveston, Texas.

    His new book, "Remember Me When..." is available through Chalice Press.

    Archives

    August 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    December 2021
    July 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017

    RSS Feed

  • Home
  • Todd's Blog
  • Remember Me When
  • Contact